CHAPTER 10
Juliana’s eyes danced as she watched her younger sister Lillian squirm under their mother’s watchful eye at the breakfast table the following morning after the Meecham’s ball.
“I just cannot seem to understand why Lady Genevieve would be asking me such personal questions about my household staff. Are you quite certain that you did not imply anything, Lillian?”
Lillian was aghast, “Mother! I would never!”
Their elder brother and his wife Eden had long since escaped. They both claimed that their toddler needed them in the nursery. Juliana wouldn’t have missed this for the world.
The Dowager sniffed, “I just find it troubling that I leave my two daughters with one of my oldest friends and she comes back knowing things that she should never know.”
Lillian gritted her teeth, “Mother, we never discussed you. Why are you not aggrieved with Juliana?”
The Dowager’s eyes narrowed, “You think that I didn’t notice your influx of dancing partners last evening?”
A delicate flush washed over Lillian’s face, but her gaze didn't waver.
“Very well, miss, we shall discuss it. First, there was the new Duke and every single one of his brothers. I believe there are four of them?”
“Five!” Juliana supplied helpfully.
If looks could kill, Lillian would be down one sister.
The Dowager nodded, “Thank you, Juliana. Second, there was the new French Comte. Third, there was Baron Hollingsworth. He hasn’t a feather to fly with Lillian. Honestly, I really wish you wouldn’t have. And last, Mr. Harris, that acquaintance of your brother’s. You have never, in all the time you have been out, danced so many dances. What is the meaning of all this? I demand an explanation!”
Lillian knew that there were several ways she could respond to her mother. What was expected, most likely—in her estimation, would be a calm, reasonable explanation. And for that reason alone, Lillian did something that she had never done before.
“I cannot believe that my mother does not find me beautiful enough to attract multiple suitors. What do you see when you look at me? Am I that hideous?” Choking back a sob Lillian threw her napkin at her plate and raced from the breakfast room much to the shock of her mother and sister.
She really wasn’t interested in going back to her bedroom, so she went to the back of the house where they had a lovely sewing room that had lots of light in the morning hours.
Lillian settled onto the window seat and awaited her sister.
Juliana burst in, “That was bloody brilliant! I had no clue you had it in you Lilly! You could positively tread the boards! You are fantastic! Mother just sat there with her jaw flapping. I almost felt sorry for her, but she had been a trifle bit rude.”
Lillian grimaced, “I didn’t wish to offend. I just needed to stop that line of questioning. Do you suppose that mother will ask about it again?”
Juliana giggled before flinging her arm out, “You—my own mother—thinks I’m ugly!”
Lillian’s lips twitched, “It wasn’t that bad!”
Juliana laughed, “Pretty close.”
“Do you really think I could make it as an actress?”
Jules grinned, “Without a doubt! I wanted to give you a standing ovation, but it would have defeated your purpose. Quickly, before I forget, did you learn anything when dancing with the Comte?”
Lilly straightened, “He was interesting.”
“In what way?”
“The Comte is very self-assured. He was smooth to the point of oily.”
Jules wrinkled her nose.
“I would like to somehow meet the new Countess. I am interested to see if she is similar in personality to the Comte.”
“I wonder if she will be at Lady Wells brunch this Thursday?” Jules asked.
Lilly’s eyes lit, “I would expect so! Lady Wells invites almost everyone who is anyone. Our goal will be to speak with her. I think there is something there Jules, I am just not sure what.”
Jules wrinkled her nose, “Did you think that the Comte was the traitor?”
Lilly shrugged, “It is hard to say during one dance. Especially when you are purposefully smashing the poor man’s feet.”
Jules laughed, “I cannot believe you are still employing that trick. You are not that bad of a dancer.”
Lilly smiled softly, “It is easier for me to put up a distance. I need that space so that I do not feel as if I am drowning.”
Jules shook her head, “Lilly, you are one of a kind.”
Lilly’s smile was sad.
Jules frowned, “What is it?”
Lilly shook her head, “Nothing, dearest. Did you enjoy the ball last evening? I noticed that you danced with the Duke.”
Jules brushed it off dismissively, “Oh, I am no longer interested in the Duke.”
Lilly raised a brow, “Is there someone else that has caught your fancy then?”
Jules folded her hands into her lap. She didn’t meet her sister’s eyes for a moment as if she were thinking of the right thing to say. And then she raised her head.
“I have decided that I am not going to set my cap for any man at present.”
Lilly was stunned, “You have?”
“Yes,” Jules was resolute. “It was something that you said actually. I have spent so much time chasing that I haven’t really been enjoying my time during the season.”
“I hope that I didn’t offend you, Jules,” Lilly was quick to say, “I do apologize.”
Jules smiled, “No, quite the opposite. I feel liberated in a way. I am thrilled to be working on this case with you.”
Lilly felt a surge of love for her sister, “And I with you, thank you, Jules.”